Trentino Dolomites, Italy

The Dolomites Are Made From a 250-Million-Year-Old Coral Reef

The pale grey and orange rock towers and spires that define this part of the Italian Alps are dolomite, a mineral formed from coral reefs that sat on a tropical sea floor. Tectonic forces lifted the seabed into mountains; erosion carved the coral into formations unlike anything in the Alps further west. The Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three cylindrical rock towers rising 300 metres above the plateau, became one of the most photographed mountain landscapes in Europe and are now visible from roughly half the computers that have ever been sold with a mountain wallpaper.

UNESCO listed the Dolomites as a World Heritage Site in 2009 for the geological reason. The same designation notes that the Marmolada glacier, the highest point in the Dolomites at 3,343 metres, has retreated dramatically and represents an area under active threat from climate change.

Key Areas

Val Gardena is the most developed tourist valley. Ortisei has been a woodcarving centre since the 17th century – this is not a souvenir industry dressed as tradition; it is the primary occupation of many families. The valley connects by lifts and paths to the Sella Ronda, a 26-kilometre ski circuit around the Sella massif that is also a superb summer hiking route.

Alpe di Siusi above Val Gardena is the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe at around 2,000 metres, surrounded by the Sassolungo group and the Sciliar plateau. Car access is restricted in summer; use the Seiser Alm Bahn cable car from Ortisei.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most prestigious resort, hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics and co-hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics with Milan. The Tre Cime circuit (9.5 kilometres, three hours, around the three towers) is the most popular single walk in the Italian Dolomites. Arrive by 7am to avoid the main rush. The parking fee and toll to the Auronzo hut combined run approximately EUR 30 per car in peak season.

Hiking and Via Ferrata

The rifugio (mountain hut) system is placed at 1.5 to 3 hour walking intervals across the range, offering accommodation, meals, and views. The Alta Via 1 and 2 are the most famous multi-day traverses. Via ferrata routes with fixed steel cables allow access to otherwise-impassable rock faces; equipment is rentable in most towns. Much of the via ferrata network was established during World War I, when Italian and Austrian troops fought across these same faces at altitude.

Food and Wine

Canederli (bread dumplings stuffed with speck or cheese, served in broth) is the regional signature. Speck Alto Adige is a dry-cured smoked ham with protected designation of origin, different in character from prosciutto. Trentino-Alto Adige produces some of Italy’s best whites: Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer, Kerner. June is the best visiting month: crowds of July and August are absent, wild flowers are at peak, and high passes are clear.